Life after 60 is a whole new ball game. You know yourself better, you care less about what other people think, and you finally have time to focus on what really matters. Yet, still many women over 60 find themselves sad and lonely.
Today, I want to share 10 simple daily habits for happiness that will instantly spark joy and make you feel good again.
I talk to a lot of women daily, and many of them share how they feel lonely, but few of them are actually willing to do anything about it. That makes me sad.
All you really need are just a few tiny habits for happiness to add to your day, and you won’t be sad or lonely anymore. But it’s up to you to do them.
things i do when i feel sad
Along with these 10 habits for happiness I’m sharing with you now, here are a couple of other things I do when I feel sad.
In the tiny town I live in, there are lots of street dogs, so I jump on my scooter, go feed them, sing to them and spend some time with them. This brings me SUCH great joy.
Come hang out with me on my YouTube channel while I feed dogs.
Another thing I do, which is probably not really highly recommended, is eat junk food. Sorry, but it’s true. They don’t call it emotional eating for nothing. It works, but I feel like crap the next day.
Here’s a really good list of foods women over 50 should avoid like the plague if you want to be healthy, strong and happy.
Let’s get to the habits for happiness that will change your day and your life.
10 simple habits for happiness
These are all really easy habits for happiness that I know for sure will bring you some joy and less sadness. You can do them alone or call a friend to join you for some of them.
It’s up to you!
But remember, it’s up to you to start. No one can make you do things. If you want to be happier, and I know you do, and I want you to be happier, start incorporating some of these daily habits.
You can even get a daily habit app on your phone or add them to your calendar so you don’t forget!
Start Your Day With Gratitude
Before reaching for your phone or turning on the news, take a minute to list three things you are grateful for. This simple habit puts your mind in a positive space before the day even begins. Gratitude is like fuel for happiness.
Get Moving
Movement keeps your body strong and triggers endorphins, the happy chemical in your brain.
You don’t need to run marathons. A walk around the block, a gentle yoga flow, or even dancing in your living room will do the trick. The key is to make movement part of your daily routine.
Here are 20 bodyweight exercises you can do at home, for women over 50, to help you get moving and stay strong!
Eat Happy Foods
Remember, you are what you eat. Eat crappy food = feel like crap, eat healthy food = feel happy and healthy. It’s that simple!!.
Adding more fresh vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and fruits gives your body the nutrients it needs to thrive. Dark chocolate, berries, and omega-rich foods are proven to boost mood and energy. Think of food as medicine for your mind and body.
Here are 10 superfoods for women over 60 you should be eating.
Stay Connected
Human connection is important not only to prevent depression and sadness but also to help keep our minds stimulated (with conversation) and keep us empathetic and compassionate.
Call a friend, join a club, or have coffee with your neighbour. Make it a habit to connect with at least one person every day, even if it is just a quick chat.
Do Something Creative
Creativity is a happy drug for your soul. Do the things that bring you joy. Try painting, journaling, gardening, cooking something new, or even rearranging a room in your house.
Being creative will spark happiness and fill your soul with joy and love. Trust me on that.
Stay Away From Toxicity
What you read, watch, and listen to shapes your mindset. Too much news, gossip, or negativity can weigh you down. When I say toxicity, I don’t mean just news and social media. This could mean people, too.
If you have a negative Nancy in your life, stay away from them. Drama, gossip, catty women. Nope. Dump them.
Choose uplifting books, podcasts, or shows that leave you feeling good instead of drained. Protecting your peace is one of the smartest daily habits for happiness.
You might really like this article on 10 Things Women Over 50 Should Never Wear, and it has nothing to do with clothes.
Get Outside!
Fresh air and sunshine are natural mood boosters. Even ten minutes outside can lower stress and improve your energy.
Whether it is sitting in your garden, walking a trail, or simply standing on your balcony, let nature do its magic. Feel the sun on your face, the air in your lungs, hear the birds chirping and go watch butterflies.
How can any of that not bring you joy?
Practice Mindfulness or Prayer
Mindfulness, meditation, or prayer can quiet the noise in your head and bring you back to the present moment.
You don’t need to sit for an hour. Even five minutes of deep breathing or reflection can help you feel more grounded and calm.
Prayer is also very powerful. If you are feeling down, have anxiety or hopelessness, prayer is the answer! I listen to some wonderful prayers on YouTube that really ease my loneliness and despair.
Kindness Matters
Helping others is one of the fastest ways to not only bring some joy into your day but also to help you feel good about yourself.
Volunteer, support a friend, or do a random act of kindness like holding the door open or paying for someone’s coffee. Giving back creates a ripple effect that makes life brighter for everyone.
And remember, kindness comes from the heart. Don’t expect anything back in return.
End of Day Reflection
Before bed, take a moment to think about what went well today. Even if it was a tough day, find one small thing to appreciate. Write out in your gratitude journal all the things that you were grateful for today.
It’s better to end the day with the good things, not the bad things. We all have bad things happen to us each day, but it’s important to reflect on the good things.
Ending your day with positive reflection helps you sleep better and wakes you up with a lighter heart.
Final Thoughts
Happiness is not about waiting for the big moments like vacations, retirements, or family milestones. It comes from small, consistent daily habits for happiness that add up to a more joyful life.
If you want a happier life after 60, focus on the little things that make you feel alive, grateful, and connected. The beauty of these habits is that they are simple, practical, and completely within your control. Start with one or two today and let them grow into a routine that brings you peace and joy every single day.
